Security and Safety Specialist

About the role

The Security and Safety Specialist will support UN Women’s mission in Nairobi by ensuring a safe working environment and protecting staff, assets, and operations. This role combines strategic risk assessment with day‑to‑day security management in a complex, international context.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct security and safety risk assessments and integrate findings into operational planning.
• Monitor security systems, generate regular reports, and advise on mitigation measures.
• Analyse emerging risks, develop risk‑management strategies, and support business continuity planning.
• Coordinate response to disaster or conflict situations, ensuring staff safety and operational resilience.
• Implement and maintain compliance with the United Nations Security Management System.

Required profile

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in security management, business administration, political/social science, psychology, international relations or a related field; a diploma or associate degree may also be considered.
• Minimum five years of progressively responsible security experience, including at least two years at an international, regional or global level.
• Demonstrated experience in security risk assessments, disaster or conflict operations, and business continuity programmes is desirable.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of another UN official language (French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish) is a plus.

Required skills

• Security operations
• Security systems monitoring
• Reporting
• Risk analysis
• Risk management